At a very competitive price, BVM can deliver training courses tailored to meet your needs - at a time and place that is right for you.  This could be technical training as part of your organisation's CPD programme, an update on statutory requirements or specific training for staff or volunteers involved in a forthcoming survey.  A few possible examples are given below, but we are always happy to discuss other options.  Please call us to discuss how we can help.

Vegetation Management/ Weed Control

BVM can come to your offices (or another convenient location) to provide staff with a half- or full-day update on amenity weed control issues.  For example, we can deliver training on the statutory 2006 Code of Practice (Pesticides: Code of practice for using plant protection products) and other regulations relating to pesticide use and vegetation management, and presentations on invasive weed species and the latest information on control methods.

The amenity weed control sector has frequently been criticised for a perceived 'lack of rigour' or inconsistency in the application of high standards to pesticide programmes.  It has been alleged that reducing costs has often been more of a priority than maintaining environmental safety; that managers responsible for preparing specifications, awarding contracts and supervising pesticide work are not adequately trained; and insufficent importance is given to quality assurance.  These allegations are undoubtedly unfair to many of the organisations concerned but, as the 2007 RPA/BVM amenity pesticide survey for Defra showed, there is some genuine cause for concern and plenty of scope for overall standards to be significantly raised.

It is most important for all responsible organisations involved in the amenity weed control sector, including local authorities, to maintain the highest possible standards - and to be able to demonstrate the steps that have been taken to ensure full compliance with the Code of Practice.  Local authorities should also have a clear strategy to combat the spread of invasive, non-native weeds such as Japanese knotweed.  Training and related services from BVM (including contractor audits and specialist amenity weed control consultancy and surveys) can provide a major contribution towards these aims.

Hedgerow Surveys

As a key member of the project teams responsible for the development and testing of the survey methodologies used for the Hedgerow Regulations, Hedgerow BAP condition assessments and local hedgerow surveys, Chris Britt is uniquely capable of providing training for surveyors undertaking surveys using these methods.  Chris is currently providing technical support for local hedge surveys in Warwickshire and Cornwall, and has so far delivered three training sessions for volunteer surveyors in Warwickshire.

Hedgerow survey training should be particularly valuable to local authorities and environmental groups.